Cameroon’s Tchiroma calls for national shutdown today

Cameroon’s self-proclaimed President-elect Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared Friday a National Day of Mourning to honour civilians killed during protests that followed the country’s disputed presidential election. In a broadcast aired Wednesday night, Tchiroma ordered a nationwide shutdown, directing businesses, government offices, and public services to suspend operations for the day. He said the move […]

Cameroon’s self-proclaimed President-elect Issa Tchiroma Bakary has declared Friday a National Day of Mourning to honour civilians killed during protests that followed the country’s disputed presidential election.

In a broadcast aired Wednesday night, Tchiroma ordered a nationwide shutdown, directing businesses, government offices, and public services to suspend operations for the day.

He said the move was both a tribute to victims and an act of resistance against what he described as an “illegitimate regime.”

“They fell so that the truth may live. They were Cameroonians. They were our martyrs,” he said.

Tchiroma instructed citizens to observe a one‑minute silence at noon across the country and in the diaspora.

He also called on churches, mosques, and temples to hold prayer services for those who lost their lives. “This will not be an ordinary day. It will be a day of silence, of memory, of collection. It will be an act of resistance,” he declared.

Tchiroma also announced plans to establish a victims’ support fund to assist families of the deceased and those still in detention.

He said details of the fund would be made public in due course.

Tchiroma criticised the government for failing to release political prisoners despite his earlier 48‑hour ultimatum.

He described the partial release of a few minors as a “masquerade” and insisted that arrests were continuing.

“There are far too many still in detention — and arrests continue,” he said.

In his strongest confrontation yet with the administration of what he terms ‘outgoing’ President Paul Biya, Tchiroma rejected any possibility of negotiation. “I will not back down. I will not negotiate. I will never capitulate,” he said.

He accused the regime of perjury, claiming it swore to uphold power it had “stolen” through electoral fraud.

Tchiroma vowed to protect what he described as a clear mandate from the people, promising reforms and a future built on justice and dignity.

“Our struggle is for justice, dignity, and the future of Cameroon,” he said. “I dedicate the rest of my life to fulfilling this oath of loyalty to the Cameroonian people.”